Understanding Islam“Submission”

Most people readily accept information given
to them without investigating it for themselves. Unfortunately, this is
how most so-called Muslims gain their informa-tion. They accept information
from their “imams” (religious leaders) who usually use other
sources besides the Quran, without questioning or investigating them.
This is a sad fact especially when the Quran expresses the importance
of reading, studying, reflecting and investigating so much.

You shall not accept any information, unless you verify
it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain,
and you are responsible for using them. [17:36]

What is Islam?

Islam is often defined as a religion, but this does not give a clear
meaning of the word. Literally and in practice, it is self-surrender,
submission, absolute surrender to the will, service and the commands of
the One True God. It is a type of submission that will enable one to have
a sense of peace within and to be free from all fears, to feel completely
safe and protected. A submission and surrender that is given wholeheartedly
without any doubt, and will make one readily obedient to the commands
of the One True God. Therefore, Islam is not just some religion based
on a simple belief or faith in something, but a total submission that
is given to God alone.

GOD has proclaimed: "Do
not worship two gods; there is only one god. You shall reverence Me alone."
[16:51]

To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth
and there-fore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone.
Would you worship other than GOD? [16:52]

Often submission is called “deen” or way of life.
The Arabic word deen is generally translated to mean religion,
creed, faith and belief. From careful study, limiting the meaning to this
alone takes away from the true essence of the word. We will look at different
views of this word deen, and then examine the word from a perspective
using the Quran.